Skip To Top Navigation Skip To Content Skip To Footer

Course Descriptions


CIS 105 (Fall and Spring) 3 credit hours
Introduction to Microcomputer Use
Instruction in the fundamental use of microcomputers through packaged software and operating systems. The course provides a broad introduction to hardware, software, computer networks, online social networking and library database searches. Major application areas are discussed, such as word processing, spreadsheets and presentation tools.

CIS 110 (Fall and Spring) 3 credit hours
Programming I
Introduces programming in a personal computer based environment. The student will learn the fundamentals of PC hardware, operating systems, and programming. Special emphasis is placed on proper program style, including modularity and structured design. The language of implementation is Visual C#. Corequisite: Math 130 or above.

CIS 202 (Fall and Spring) 3 credit hours
Information Systems I
This course provides an overview of the broad field of information systems and technology. Explores the function of information systems and technology in modern organizations. Explores the options for graduates in the field. Introduces terms and concepts that are used throughout the field. Examines options for professional development in the field. Examines the design of information systems. Emphasizes the student's ability to clarify problem statements and define objectives with discussion of analysis of information systems using standard methodologies.

CIS 210 (Fall and Spring) 3 hrs. cr.
Programming II
Continued development of the programming and problem solving skills introduced in CIS 110. Structured programming and the object-oriented paradigm are emphasized. Includes an in-depth coverage of strings, arrays, files, classes, and namespaces. Introduces Windows application programming. The language of implementation is Visual C#. Prerequisite: CIS 110 with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

CIS 230 (Spring) 3 credit hours
Midrange Solutions I
Introduces the programming language RPG in an OS/400 environment. Includes language syntax and practice in preparing, compiling, and executing applications of increasing complexity. Prerequisite: CIS 210 with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

CIS 234 (Fall) 3 credit hours
Enterprise Solutions I 
Methods and techniques for solving business related problems using the business oriented language COBOL. Applications may include payroll processing, inventory control, billing systems. Syntax of the language, report production using both sequential and indexed files, and structured methodologies are major topics. Prerequisite: CIS 210 with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

CIS 240 (Summer) 3 credit hours
Python Programming
Programming and problem solving using Python. Emphasizes principles of software development, style, and testing. Topics include variables and expressions, types, branching, iteration, functions, strings, lists, and dictionaries. Prerequisites: None.

CIS 298 (Demand) 1-3 credit hours
Topics in Computer Information Science
Addresses emerging topics in computer science and management information systems. Each offering will be on a subject not normally included in another course. Prerequisites may be specified in each course syllabus.

CIS 305 (Fall and Spring) 3 credit hours
Microcomputer Applications
Provides an overview of the most common environment and software tools for the serious user of microcomputers. Hardware topics are included to allow the student to compare and select from system configurations according to their application's requirements. An introduction to the basic elements of an operating system and a graphic user interface is followed by intensive practice with the major components of an integrated software suite of applications: word processing, spreadsheets, graphics and presentation software. A variety of data communications topics are included from the use of a local area network through connections to a world-wide system. Prerequisite: CIS 105 (or higher) or MM237 or DDET 115 or consent of the department head.

CIS 308 (Spring) 3 credit hours
Website Administration I
Provides an introduction to the administration of a World Wide Web site. Includes Internet concepts, design strategies, graphic and multimedia construction, legal and ethical implications, dynamic HTML, and client-side programming. Prerequisite: CIS 110 with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

CIS 310 (Fall and Spring) 3 credit hours
Database Management Systems I
Introduces the fundamentals of database management, relational database management systems, and programming for GUI. Database topics covered include entities, attributes, relationships, transactions, queries, and integrity rules. Server side database concepts are illustrated with MS Access. The client side user interface and business logic is implemented in Visual Basic. Prerequisite: CIS 210 with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

CIS 315 (Fall and Spring) 3 credit hours
Computer Networks
Introduces the hardware and software that are integrated to form a computer network. Topics include an in-depth look at TCP/IP, data communication hardware, public networks such as the Internet, and LAN and WAN network standards. Corequisite: CIS 110 or CIS 305 or DDET 115 or MM 237.

CIS 321 (Fall) 3 credit hours
Midrange Solutions II
Emphasizes online programming of business applications. Major topics include file creation and maintenance, structured methodologies, advanced features of RPG, IBM OS environment, CL programming, Queries, Database SQL and Internet application connectivity. Prerequisite: CIS 230 with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

CIS 325 (Spring) 3 credit hours
Windows LAN Administration
Provides a thorough introduction to the design, installation, and management of Microsoft Server local area networks. Network configuration, security, backup, and recovery are major topics. User rights and privileges, file and device sharing, and Web applications are also covered. Prerequisite: CIS 315 with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

CIS 334 (Spring) 3 credit hours
Enterprise Solutions II
On-line programming and special considerations implicit in real-time business applications are studied. Creation and maintenance of indexed and sequential files and advanced features of COBOL are major topics. Prerequisite: CIS 234 with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

CIS 340 (Fall) 3 credit hours
Website Administration II
Continued development of subjects related to the administration of a World Wide Web site. Emphasizes server-side programming issues. Particularly concerned with the creation and maintenance of a commercial site. Includes syntax and practice in ASP, CSS, CGI/Perl, VBScript, JavaScript, and XML. Prerequisite: CIS 308 and CIS 310, with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

CIS 345 (Fall, Spring) 3 credit hours
UNIX System Administration
Introduces the UNIX operating system. Topics covered include basic UNIX commands, system configuration, the file system, process control, shell programming, the network file system, CGI programming, and system security. Prerequisite: CIS 210 and CIS 315 with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

CIS 350 (Fall and Spring) 3 credit hours
Data Structures
Provides for the continued development of the student’s knowledge of data structures and object-oriented programming. Includes an indepth coverage of lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs. Special emphasis is placed on the coverage of algorithms that are designed to efficiently manipulate these structures and techniques for selecting the most appropriate data structures for a given application. The language of implementation is Visual C#. Prerequisite: CIS 310 with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

CIS 355 (Spring of Even-Numbered Years) 3 credit hours
Enterprise Network Administration and Security
Covers essential techniques and best practices for securing an enterprise inter-network. Major topics include routing and inter-network design, firewalls, proxy servers, authentication and encryption, virtual private networks, security policy design, disaster recovery planning, hardware troubleshooting, and performance analysis. Prerequisite: CIS 315 and CIS 345 with a grade of ‘C’ or above. Co-requisite: CIS 325.

CIS 375 (Fall) 3 credit hours
Information Technology Project Management
Emphasizes managerial and analytical skills more than technological skills. The course will provide an introduction to Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) and will use industry standard project management software to model skills in project definition and planning, and also the response to unexpected changes in environment, resources, or other features. Finally, it will include a section on the human side of management, in particular management of high-tech employees. Prerequisites: CIS 202 - Information Systems I and Junior or above standing or permission of the instructor.

CIS 385 (Fall) 3 credit hours
Mobile Application Development
This course studies basic concepts and techniques for creating mobile applications using the Java language. Topics include a Java introduction, IDE fundamentals, layout design, user gesture detection, application lifecycle, animation, sound, resource files, menus, and multithreading. Prerequisite: CIS 210 with a grad of C or above.

CIS 395 (Spring) 3 Credit Hours
App Development for IOS Devices
Covers essential concepts, tools, and techniques used to develop applications for Apple iOS devices (iPhones, iPads, and iPods). Topics include the Swift programming language, the iOS SDK (Software Development Kit), and the Xcode IDE (Integrated Development Environment). The student will learn how to use Swift to design and implement mobile interfaces, how to use the SDK libraries to build applications that have the proper look and feel, and how to design and handle user input and other aspects of mobile application development. Prerequisite: CIS 0210 with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

CIS 405 (Spring) 3 credit hours
Cryptography & .NET Security
This course provides an introduction to implementing the security and cryptography features found in the .NET platform. Students will gain knowledge of basic cryptography theory and learn to use symmetric algorithms, asymmetric algorithms and digital signatures. Prerequisite: CIS 210 with a grade of 'C' or above or permission of the instructor.

CIS 410 (Fall) 3 credit hours
Information Systems II (Writing Intensive)
Continued development of the ability to analyze and design computer-based information systems. Includes coverage of analysis and design methodologies, computer-aided software engineering tools, and project management techniques. Topics are illustrated with in-depth case studies. Emphasizes teamwork. Prerequisite: CIS 202 and CIS 310 with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

CIS 425 (Spring) 3 credit hours
Database Management Systems II (Writing Intensive)
Includes a survey of database management theories with experience in the application of database technology. An emphasis will be placed on the relational model. Functions of database management systems, data modeling, and database systems design and implementation in a client/server environment are stressed through case studies. Prerequisite: CIS 310 and CIS 410, with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

CIS 440 (Spring) 3 credit hours
Computer Forensics I
Introduces the basics of computer forensics. Topics covered include backups and data recovery, hard drive imaging and forensic analysis of recovered data, data hiding and encryption techniques, reconstruction of past events, techniques used to compromise and safeguard computers, surveillance tools, analysis of data, and collection and preservation of electronic evidence. Students will be introduced to forensic techniques and available electronic tools for forensic analysis. A basic knowledge of networks and UNIX/Linux, as well as a thorough knowledge of Windows is assumed. Prerequisite: CIS 315 and CIS 345 with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

CIS 445 (Fall) 3 credit hours
Computer Forensics II
A continuation of Computer Forensics I with an emphasis on the use of the professional forensic software tools like Access Data's Forensic Tool Kit and Guidance Software's EnCase. Prerequisite: CIS 440 with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

CIS 450 (Fall) 3 credit hours
Operating Systems (Writing Intensive)
Fundamental concepts of operating system design. Emphasis is placed on identifying the problems an operating system must solve and considering the range of alternative solutions that may be implemented. Topics include process management, memory management, processor management, auxiliary storage management, and security. The Linux operating system is highlighted. Prerequisite: CIS 350 with a grade of ‘C’ or above. Corequisite: CIS 345.

CIS 491 (Fall and Spring) 1-3 credit hours
Internship in Computer Information Science 
A limited number of computer information science students may serve an internship of 15 to 20 hours per week for up to 16 weeks. Credit hours will be arranged through the coordinator of the internship program. The intern will work for a local-cooperating firm in a production data processing environment gaining valuable experience in programming and/or systems analysis and design. The on-site work will be supervised by a professional employee of the firm and overseen by an MSSU faculty member. Prerequisite: Upper division standing, department head approval, and an overall GPA of 3.0.

CIS 498 (Demand) 1-3 credit hours
Advanced Topics in Computer Information Science
Addresses emerging topics in computer science and management information systems. Each offering will be on a subject not normally included in another course. Prerequisite: May be specified in each course syllabus.

CIS 499 (Demand) 1-3 credit hours
Independent Study
The adviser, with approval of the department head, structures an independent study course. Prerequisite: Upper division standing with an overall GPA of 3.0 or above. The adviser, the department head, and the dean of the school must approve enrollment in the course.